The unusual name Goodluck was a one-hit wonder in the U.S. baby name data in 2010:
- 2012: unlisted
- 2011: unlisted
- 2010: 8 baby boys named Goodluck [debut]
- 2009: unlisted
- 2008: unlisted
Why?
The answer appears to be Nigerian politics!
In February of 2010, Goodluck Jonathan, the vice president of Nigeria, was named “acting president” due to President Umaru Yar’Adua’s ongoing illness.
Three months later, in May, Jonathan became the 14th president of Nigeria upon Yar’Adua’s death.
Jonathan (a former zoologist) was elected in his own right the following year, and served until mid-2015.
Interestingly, Goodluck Jonathan’s wife, Patience, also has a name that comes from English vocabulary. :)
What are your thoughts on the auspicious-sounding baby name Goodluck?
P.S. The popular sitcom Good Luck Charlie began airing in April of 2010, coincidentally…
Sources: Goodluck Jonathan – Wikipedia, SSA
Image: Adapted from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greet His Excellency Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (public domain)
